Intensity of Social Media Use and
Literacy Skills in Students: A Study in the Context of Learning, Entertainment, and
Communication
Dr. Ilham, S.T., M.T
Organization and Management Analyst
Background
The digital era has revolutionized human interaction with their surroundings, including education.
Social media has emerged as a significant catalyst for this transformation, impacting crucial aspects of students' lives, such as learning and entertainment.
It is essential to comprehend the intensity of
students' social media use and its connection
to their literacy skills.
Research Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the intensity of social media use and students' literacy skills.
We aim to investigate whether social media use in learning, entertainment, and communication influences students' literacy skills.
By setting these objectives, we hope to provide insights
into the impact of social media on students' literacy.
Methodology
This research adopts a descriptive quantitative approach and involves 397 high school and vocational students in Indonesia.
We categorized students' social media usage and evaluated their literacy skills.
The confirmed homoskedasticity of our regression
model strengthens the validity of our research findings.
Findings
The research findings indicate a significant correlation between learning and communication with students' literacy skills.
However, no significant impact was observed on entertainment-related literacy skills.
This suggests that using social media in the context of
learning can influence students' literacy skills.
The research findings have significant implications for educational strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding the influence of social media on literacy.
Implications (Common)
When developing effective educational strategies, it is
crucial to consider how social media can enhance
students' literacy skills.
1. The research findings have significant implications for educational strategies, highlighting the crucial role of social media in shaping students' literacy skills.
2. Educators and policymakers should acknowledge the influence of social media on learning and consider integrating social media literacy into the curriculum.
3. By incorporating social media literacy education, students can develop critical thinking skills and become more discerning information consumers.
4. Teachers can leverage social media platforms as educational tools to enhance students' digital literacy and promote interactive learning experiences.
5. Educational institutions should provide guidelines and resources for responsible social media use, ensuring students' safety and well-being in the online environment.
6. Parents and guardians are vital in guiding and monitoring students' social media activities, fostering responsible and balanced usage.
7. The findings suggest a need for further research on the specific strategies and interventions that can effectively harness the potential of social media for literacy development.
8. Ongoing professional development for educators is essential to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to teach digital literacy and responsible social media use.
9. The implications of this research extend beyond the educational realm, highlighting the need for broader societal conversations about the impact of social media on individuals' literacy skills and well-being.
10. Policymakers should consider formulating guidelines and regulations to address potential risks associated with social media use while recognizing its benefits for students' learning and communication skills.
